Intro to Handbuilding with Paper Clay
October 13 – December 8, 10:00AM EST

An Introduction to Hand Building with Paper Clay with Jerry Bennett

This is an introductory class in Paper Clay, adding cellulose-based fibers to wet clay to improve the workability of the clay and lessen many of the problems associated with hand building.

Paper clay or as many people call it; fiber clay, is the process in ceramics where artists add cellulose fibers to plastic clay. These fibers burn out after the first firing leaving only the clay remaining. Adding these fibers makes the clay easier to work with and more plastic. However, many of the rules that govern regular clay do not apply to paper clay. Jerry Bennett, a leading international paper clay artist, will conduct a hands-on Zoom training which will provide an opportunity for students to explore and experience new approaches to functional pottery and sculptural forms using paper clay.

Develop a personal vision of hand-building techniques for creating functional and sculptural forms. Demonstrations focus on slab construction, but students are free to experiment with coil building, pinching, and extrusion. This class will use various material techniques, including paper clay, decorating techniques including underglaze techniques, textures, colored slips, and glaze applications. This class will provide specific instruction from the instructor for advancing your work to a higher level. Each student will work independently.

Join Jerry Bennett as he guides you through how to make paper clay and bonding slips for hand-built forms. This eight-week workshop expands your understanding of this unique material by adding various clay fibers to create functional pottery and sculptural forms. Gain valuable insights as Jerry shares practical, problem-solving advice related to your studio work, such as fixing broken work and preventing cracks.

Students may use any clay that they wish for the class. But, instruction will be based on the use of cone 6 porcelain. Therefore, we recommend you purchase cone 6 porcelain such as Standard 365 or Laguna 550. Purchase 25# to start the class. You will need hand building tools, + small pair of scissors, and a clean canvas for work. Participants in the workshop will receive handouts that will provide valuable information about paper clay, glaze formulas, and supplier information.

Wednesdays October 13, 2021 – December 8, 2021

NO CLASS SESSION ON 11/24/21

10:00am to 12:00 pm (EST)

• Level: No experience required. Students must have access to home/private studio
• Student Age Group: Adult
• Class size: Minimum 4 / Maximum 10
• Fees: Members $300 / Nonmembers $325

THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS. A Zoom link will be delivered to you upon confirmation of registration*. You must have Zoom installed on your computer or device to attend this workshop.

*Please note, confirmation emails with detailed information may sometimes end up in your junk mail or spam folder.

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About the instructor: Jerry is a key figure in the exploding field of paper clay. His work is in many galleries and museums throughout the world. Bennett was a resident artist at the Philadelphia Clay Studio for five years. He received his MFA from Indiana University at Bloomington Indiana. Bennett has given workshops and lectures at over fifty colleges, schools, and art centers throughout the United States. In 2005, he was a guest at the first International Paper Clay Symposium in Kecskemet, Hungary. In 2012 he was the leader of the Second International Paper Symposium in Kecskemet, Hungary. He is currently an active studio artist in Philadelphia, teaching locally, and running the Two Rivers Studio. For additional information please visit www.jerrybennett.net